To be clear, the packages themselves did not misuse the materials; the company that packaged them did it! :-D

When I ship Priority, I apply some printed labels indicating that, and make my own shipping labels through PayPal, and bring them to the PO. If you have issues with KK, suggest that you call and ask them how they pack things. I have not had any issues with shipments, and some arrive by UPS, a few by FEDEX, and most by USPS. The difference in cost of parcel post and Priority are wide enough that Priority offers free tracking of shipments and is much faster. When my mail-in pharmacy sends me medications, it can take up to 2 weeks, so they are not shipping very fast, even for perishables like insulin which doesn't like hot weather in summer.

using Priority Mail packaging for non-Priority shipments, or as inner packing material

I guess I don't understand why this is a problem. The company has the right to choose the shipping and packing methods they will use don't they? USPS provides free Priority Mail packaging to companies and the company then pays the Priority shipping rate to USPS when those boxes are shipped.

Dave

I use plain cardboard boxes and don't use the preprinted ones that the PO. They are free at the PO too offers. Becuase I use PayPal created shipping labels and also attach some small home made stickers from a scanned Priority mail box.

{{gwi:901318}}

Dave, the issue that I have is that they were using the priority materials but sending packages UPS. These materials are available FREE from the post office for use in Priority Mail; in other words, that "free" packaging material is figured into the cost of Priority postage. My shipment from Kitchen Krafts contained Priority Mail Tyvek envelopes (not recycled/reused ones, but brand new) that were crumpled up and used as inner padding material. A Priority box was turned inside out and used to send stuff UPS. This is both dishonest and illegal. It is essentially stealing from the post office, which raises rates for the rest of us. There's a statement on the materials that reads:

"This packaging is the property of the U.S. Postal Service and is provided solely for use in sending Priority/Express Mail. Misuse may be a violation of federal law."

Also, I've requested mailing supplies from USPS for ebay before, and you have to read the terms of use and agree to them before they will ship the supplies to you. It's not like it's a secret. I supposed I should have contacted KK the first time (or second) that it happened instead of just boycotting, but I didn't. I guess I still could!

Amy

Using pachaging that has Priority Mail stamped on it isn't illegal to be used elsewhere. If I were to visit the PO and pick up a bunch of boxes and use them for UPS shipments its perfectly legal, according the Postmaster here. Mail supplies from USPS and sold eBay is a totally different term, and does come under PO rules, as you are paying for these supplies. Same is true with packaging from places like Staples and shipping them by using USPS Priority mail. Provided the proper postage and stamps are used, they are handled properly.

I think your postmaster is misinformed. From the USPS FAQ:

Using Express Mail service or Priority Mail service envelopes for other mail

If any Express Mail service or Priority Mail service packaging or packaging supplies e.g., Priority Mail tape to seal a Parcel Post package, are used on any other class of mail, the applicable Express Mail or Priority Mail price will be charged.

* Misuse may be a violation of federal law.
* Turning the packaging inside out to conceal the Priority Mail / Express Mail insignia is specific misuse that is not allowed.

Any matter mailed in these free boxes is charged the appropriate Express Mail or Priority Mail price, regardless of how the packaging is reconfigured (including being turned inside out, cut, shrunk, enlarged, etc.) or how the markings are obliterated.

Mail dropped in a Collection Box receptacle using inappropriate packaging (including, for example, mailing Priority Mail items in an Express Mail box) is either:

* Sent on as insufficient postage mail
OR
* Returned to the sender

Treatment of this mail is based on the specific case as decided by the Post Office facility handling the mailpiece.

NOTE: The USPS provides some packaging and supplies free of charge for:

* Priority Mail (Domestic) items
* Express Mail (Domestic) items
* Priority Mail International items
* Express Mail International (EMI) items
* Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) items

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Using boxes that are ordered at The Postal Store for other uses

The terms of Agreement for the use of United States Postal Service shipping supplies is as follows: I understand that Express Mail service, Priority Mail service, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International packaging is the property of the United States Postal Service and is provided solely for sending Express Mail, Priority Mail, Global Express Guaranteed, Express Mail International and Priority Mail International. Misuse may be a violation of federal law.

Ahhh I understand your concern now. Thanks for the explanation.

I guess the best thing to do then is your first instinct - report it to the post office and show them the packaging. Heaven knows they have the authority to do something about it if they see it as a problem. You have nothing to lose by telling USPS.

I suppose it is possible that even the great high muckty-mucks at KK don't know what the guys down in the packing dept. are doing and might very well like to know.

Dave

KK isnt the only one. I bought some computer hard drives on line. They arrived today in brown cardboard boxes, but inside were Priority marked mail padded envelopes. They were delivered by UPS. The company selling them saved money on padded packaging, but still add more padding and a hard box on the outside. Still, not illegal. I also see Fed Ex padded envelopes used in shipping things. Recycle is better than making new. The USPS 'tyvek' envelopes are NOT biodegradable either.